Swing-out mounting apparatus having pliable covers

ABSTRACT

The present invention involves a swing-out apparatus with pliable covers for mounting a flat video screen having a back with attachment holes to a wall. The present invention has: a wall connector, a first swing-out arm with cover holes near each end of the arm, the first swing out arm connects pivotally to the wall connector at one end; and connects pivotally at the other end to an arm-screen connector having a swivel mount with a center tilt hole of predetermined diameter defining a maximum angle of tilt in any direction, and flanges with screen holes. The swivel mount permits about 360° rotation of the flat video screen, and connects to the back of the flat video screen. The apparatus includes pliable covers that fit snuggly into cover holes collecting and concealing cables inside the length of the swing-out arm, and running between the flat video screen and the wall.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/732,366 filed on 1 Nov. 2005, the completesubject matter of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a swing-out mounting apparatus foradjustable and secure mounting of flat panel display screens, andpliable covers that conceal cable, cords, and wires from view. Theinvention also provides a safer mount with a more aesthetic appearanceafter installation of the mounting apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

A flat video screen, such as a plasma video screen, is thin incomparison to the depth of conventional cathode ray video screens. Theplasma video screen offers high video resolution, a larger surface areafor display, and less weight than older video screen technologies. Thesefeatures permit a user to mount the flat video screen in a variety ofconvenient locations in a building. Additionally, because thinness ofthe screen type is a strong virtue, a user can mount flat video displayscreens close to the wall or away from the wall.

Plasma video screens are expensive, and any mounting systems for theplasma video screen must be able to securely connect to the plasma videoscreen. A problem with some secure mounting systems is a loss of rangeof adjustments for rotating, moving, or adjusting the screen to a user'spreferences in different uses of the screen.

Another problem with mounting systems is that cables connecting to theflat screen can hang in disarray after the installation of the mountingapparatus. The hanging cables can be unsightly, and look unprofessionalin some settings. In addition, the hanging cables or cords can present asafety hazard, and may tangle up with a movable mounting apparatus. Themovement or adjustment of the flat screen can cause the hanging cablesor cords to crease and bend over time, and present safety issues.

Accordingly, there is a need for a mounting system that permits users toposition a screen in different orientations, and at the same time offersa secure mount that is safe and aesthetically pleasing uponinstallation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention satisfies those needs. The invention enablessecure mounting of a device such as a flat video screen having a backwith attachment holes while permitting a range of adjustments, andconcealing cables within the swing-out arms of the invention. Thecables, cords, and wires can be routed through the cover holes into oneor more swing-out arms of the invention, and are concealed by thepliable covers inserted into the cover holes.

In one embodiment there is a swing-out apparatus for mounting a devicehaving a back with attachment holes to a wall having a wall connectorhaving an interior surface facing toward the wall for connection to thewall, an external surface, a mount connector for attaching said deviceto the apparatus; first and second swing-out arms having a first andsecond end, a body between the first and second ends, an apertureproximate each end, said body having a passageway at least partwaytherethrough connecting said apertures. The first end of the first swingout arm connecting pivotally to the wall connector; the second end ofsaid first swing out arm being pivotally connected to said second arm;the second end of said second swing out arm connected to said mountconnector, whereby, cables extending from the wall to the device may beat least partially hidden within said arms by passing into and out ofsaid apertures.

In another embodiment there is disclosed a swivel mount having abracket, for use in attaching a device to a wall surface having a firstcentral connector plate having a rounded depression portion, a centraltilt hole of a predetermined diameter therein and plurality of mountingpoints extending from the rounded depression portion; a second centralconnector plate configured to be in abutment with said first plate, andhaving a rounded depression portion shaped to mate with said roundeddepression portion of said first plate, so that said first and secondplates are in substantially complete contact with respect to abuttingsurfaces, a third central connector plate having a rounded depressionportion similar to that of said second plate and configured to be inabutment with said first plate on a side opposite said second plate, sothat said first plate may be sandwiched between said second and thirdplates; at said second and third plates being of a friction reducingmaterial capable of sliding with respect said first plate; a centralfastener passing through said plates for creating frictional engagementtherebetween, so that when said first plate is moved relative to thebracket, it will tend to remain stationary after movement.

Another embodiment of the invention is a wall connector having aninterior surface (facing toward the wall) for connection to the wall, anexternal surface, and a cable orifice, and a first swing-out arm havinga first and second end, a body between the first and second ends havinga cover hole near each end. The first end of the first swing out armconnects pivotally to the external surface of the wall connector.

This embodiment also includes an arm-screen connector having a rotatablearm end with a screen connector hole, the rotatable arm end connectspivotally to the second end of the first swing out arm; and a swivelmount having a central screen connector with a center tilt hole ofpredetermined diameter to permit a maximum angle of tilt in anydirection, and flanges with screen holes. The swivel mount adjustablyconnects to the rotatable arm end through the screen connector hole ofthe rotatable arm end and the center tilt hole permitting about 360°rotation of the flat video screen. One or more screen holes on theflanges align to the attachment holes on the back of the flat videoscreen permitting connection of the flat screen to the swivel mount.

This embodiment further includes a plurality of pliable covers, eachpliable cover having top and bottom surfaces, front and back ends, andside portions. The top surface of the pliable cover has: a slit with anenlarged opening at the back end, the enlarged opening being sized topermit a cable to fit under the enlarged opening; a ridge that extendsaround the periphery of the top surface, and the ridge extends outwardand over a downwardly extending side wall with a plurality of protrudinghooks. The downwardly extending wall is located on the bottom surfaceand runs under the front end and both sides of the pliable cover, theprotruding hooks flex to fit snuggly within the cover hole of each endof the first swing-out arm. The pliable cover also has an interior pairof substantially parallel side walls between the downwardly extendingside walls forming a channel that surrounds a cable or cables placedthrough the cover holes into the interior of the first swing-out arm.

There are many more embodiments disclosed. While the above embodimentdescribed an apparatus of the invention having a single swing out arm,other embodiments would include apparatus with two or more arms. The oneand two armed embodiments are preferred embodiments. The scope of thispatent is defined by the claims and not this brief summary, which isprovided to assist the reader in preparing for a complete understandingof this entire document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting apparatus of theinvention in a fully extended position

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the mounting apparatus of theinvention in a fully extended position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a pliable cover of theinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom plan view of a pliable cover of theinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top exposed view of a pliable cover of theinvention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a back (or rear) view of a pliable cover of theinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a pliable cover of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross section of a pliable cover.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a swing-out arm apparatus havingpliable covers.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a mounting apparatus of the inventionin a fully extended position.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a mounting apparatus of the inventionin a compacted position.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the arm-screen connector ofthe invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates the routing of a cable shown in a perspective viewof the mounting apparatus of the invention in a fully extended position.

FIG. 14 illustrates the routing of a cable shown in a side view of themounting apparatus of the invention in a fully extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion describes embodiments of the invention andseveral variations of these embodiments. This discussion should not beconstructed, however, as limiting the invention to these particularembodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerousother embodiments as well.

As used herein, the term “substantially” is used to indicate somevariation in, for example, the shape of hole, but the variation stillproviding the function within the scope and principles of the invention.

With a swing-out mounting apparatus of the present invention, a user canposition the flat screen in a variety of different and usefulorientations. The mounting apparatus of the invention has a range offlexible adjusting capabilities when attached to the flat video screen.When a flat screen is attached to the swing out apparatus of theinvention, the user can pivot the flat screen about 360°, and tilt theflat screen up to a predetermined angle in any direction. The mountingapparatus of the invention further protects and conceals cables fromhanging in disarray about the mounting apparatus.

The arms of the mounting apparatus can be folded into a compact positionorienting the flat screen close to the wall as shown in FIG. 11 (anattached flat video screen is not shown). This configuration is usefulfor positioning the flat video screen in a wall hugging profile at theend of a presentation. In FIG. 11, the embodiment shown is the same asin FIG. 1, except for its compact position, and has been identified as amounting apparatus with pliable covers 210 in a compact position. Themounting apparatus in the compact position shows a rotatable cylinder270 connected to a swivel mount 268, and a non-rotatable cylinder 264 ofa second swing-out arm (compare with FIG. 9, a non-rotatable cylinder164 on swing-out arm 120, to see the linear relationship, and FIGS.1-2). The components are positioned close to the wall connector 212 whenoriented in the compact position.

A the other end of the spectrum, an installed mounting apparatus of theinvention permits swinging out the flat display screen away from thewall into a fully extended position as shown in FIG. 1-2 (an attachedflat video screen is not shown). Between the compact position shown inFIG. 11 and the fully extended position shown in FIGS. 1-2 is a range ofpositions to accommodate a user's preferences.

An advantage of the fully extended configuration is that the audiencecan have a better (or closer) view of the display. When the video screenis no longer in use, the user can easily return the video screen to thecompact wall hugging configuration of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows the swing-out apparatus 10 of the invention having a wallconnector 12 having a cable orifice 14 with a removable cap 16 that fitsinto the orifice. The other orifice has a removable cap 16 inserted intoit. The swing-out apparatus 10 has a first swing arm 18 that pivotsabout 180° around a first joint 20. The first swing-out arm 18 isconnected to a second swing out arm 22. The second swing arm 22 pivotsaround a second joint 24. The second swing-out arm 22 is connected to adevice mount or arm-screen connector 26. The arm-screen connector 26pivots around a third joint 28.

FIG. 2 is a side view that shows each swing-out arm has a rotatablecylinder 30 a at a first end and a non-rotatable 30 b (or fixed)cylinder at a second end, and a body 32 between the cylinders having acover hole 34 near each end. FIG. 2 shows a first swing-out arm withpliable covers 36 fitted snugly within the cover holes. In FIG. 2, asecond swing out arm 22 is shown with cover holes 34, and pliable covers36 are outside of the holes (not fitted into the cover holes). The bodyof the arm should be sufficiently hollow inside to permit cable orcables to be routed between the cover holes on the swing-out arm.

FIG. 3-FIG. 8 show different views of the pliable covers 36. Theorientation used in describing the direction of portions of the pliablecovers is as follows: the top is the portion that is seen when thepliable cover is fitted into a cover hole; the bottom or downwarddirection is the portion of the pliable cover that faces the interior ofa swing-out arm when placed in the cover hole; the center or interior ofthe pliable cover is the mid-area of the pliable cover; and outward orexterior 3-4 is from the center toward the sides, front, or back. Thesides, top, bottom, front, and back are identified in FIGS. 3-4.

FIG. 3-4 shows pliable covers 36 that have a top surface 37 and a bottomsurface 41, a front end 38, a back end 40, and side portions 39. Thepliable cover has a ridge 42 that extends around the periphery of thetop surface 37, and the ridge extends outward over an exterior downwardextending side wall 44 on the bottom portion 41, and the top portion 37having a slit 46 with an enlarged opening 48 sized for cable to fitunder, and the enlarged opening located at the back portion 40. Theexterior downward extending side wall 44 has a hook 50 on each side 39of the pliable cover, FIGS. 4, 8. The hooks 50 of the pliable cover 36flex inward when pressed into the cover hole 34 (not shown), and revertback to their original shape to hook on the inside of the body near theedge of the cover hole 34 (not shown). The hook 50 is shaped to flex inand out for the pliable cover 36 to fit snuggly into the cover hole 34(not shown).

FIG. 7 is a side view of a pliable cover 36. FIG. 7 dissects the pliablecover along a line 7A-7A to create a cross section shown in FIG. 8. FIG.8 provides another view of the hooks 50.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the pliable cover 36. This bottom viewshows exterior downwardly extending side walls 44 and two interiordownwardly extending side walls 52. The interior downwardly extendingside walls 52 are substantially parallel to each other, and the downwardlength of the interior downwardly extending side walls 52 increase indepth (not shown) as the side walls 52 go from the front portion 38 tothe back portion 40. Between the interior downwardly extending sidewalls 52 is formed a channel 54 where cables or cords can be containedor fit neatly (not shown) within the body 32 of the swing-out arms 18,22 shown in FIGS. 1-2. The channel 54 acts to collect the cables andcords, and holds the cables to provide added protection against abrasionwhen the arms swing in or out.

FIG. 5 shows an exposed top plan view of a pliable cover. As shown inFIG. 5 by the broken lines, the shape of this embodiment of the pliablecover is elliptical. This is a preferred shape. The pliable covers ofthe invention, however, can be any shape so long as the cover ispliable, and can fit snuggly in the body of the arms, and cables orcords can be fed into the slit or enlarged opening when the pliablecover is fitted in the cover holes. The pliable covers for use in theinvention can be made of any pliable material such as plastic, vinyl,nylon, or rubber. A preferred embodiment is the placement of theenlarged opening of the pliable cover nearest to the rotatable andnonrotable cylinders as the inserted pliable covers are shown forexample in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pliable cover 36. This views shows supportwalls 58 that connect the interior downwardly extending side walls 44and the exterior downwardly extending side walls 52.

Optionally, the pliable cover can also have a predefined removablesection 56 that is made of thinner material in the area corresponding tothe channel 54. The predefined removable section 56 in this embodimentruns the length of the slit, and the width of the channel 54. The usercan cut out the predefined removable section 56, and enlarge the openingfor larger or more cables.

In FIGS. 13-14 of the application, the routing or snaking of a cable 25or cords from the wall connector to the mounted flat video screen (notshown) is shown in these drawings with a segment of the cable 25. Thecable 25 (or cord) can be pulled though the cable orifice 14 on the wallconnector at cable position 25 a, and routed through the cover hole 34on the first swing out arm at cable position 25 b. The cable 25 isrouted into the cover hole nearest to the first joint on the first swingout arm at cable position 25 c, and out through the cover hole on thefirst swing out arm nearest to the second joint at cable position 25 dconnecting the second swing-out arm. The procedure is then repeated byrouting the cable 25 into the cover hole on the second arm nearest tothe second joint at position 25 e, and out the remaining cover hole onthe second swing out arm at position 25 f, and to the flat video screen(not shown) at cable position 25 f.

The above routing of the cables or cords can be reversed, starting witha cable on the flat screen, and routing through each cover hole of thearms to the wall connector (not shown). When the cables are in position,each of the pliable covers can be pushed (flexed or locked) into thecover holes, and conceal the cables inside the arm. As previouslydiscussed, the channel in the pliable covers acts to hold or keep thecables together when the pliable cover is flexed into place in the coverhole. Also as previously mentioned, an embodiment of the pliable covershaving a predefined removable section allows a user to cut open thechannel, and create a larger opening to accommodate more or largercables or cords.

The user also has the flexibility to route a cable or cables through thecable orifices of the wall connector, or for example, in the case of apower cord from the flat video screen, the user can route that powercord through each of the swing-out arms to a power outlet, instead ofgoing through the cable orifices.

FIG. 9—is an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention with twoswing-out arms with pliable covers. This embodiment of the swing outarms with concealed pliable covers is the same as the embodiment shownin FIG. 1. However, all numbering on the drawing in FIG. 9 begins at110. As shown in FIG. 9, the swing-out apparatus of the invention 110has a wall connector 112 having an external surface 113 with two cableorifices 114 and an interior wall surface (also called an internalwall-facing surface) 117 (not shown). FIG. 9 also shows wall mountingbracket 160 that fits against the internal wall-facing surface 117 (notshown), and secures the wall connector to the wall (not shown). One sideof the mounting bracket connects to the wall, and the other sideconnects to the internal wall-facing surface 117 (not shown) of the wallconnector 112. (connection not shown on drawings). There are many waysthat a person skilled in the arts would use to connect the wallconnector to the wall.

FIG. 9 shows a first swing-out arm 118. In this embodiment, the firstjoint 20 (FIG. 1) is formed by connecting a rotatable cylinder 162 at afirst end of the first swing-out arm 118, with top and bottom cylinderholding portions 112 a and 112 b of the wall connector 112. Therotatable cylinder 162 pivots the body of the first arm up to about180°. The pivoting of the body of the first arm is limited by itscontact with the wall or the wall connector (not shown).

FIG. 9 also shows a second swing-out arm 120 having a second joint 24(FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the second joint 24 (FIG. 1) is formed byconnecting a rotatable cylinder 162 at a first end of the secondswing-out arm 120 with a non-rotatable (or fixed) cylinder 164 at asecond end of the first swing-out arm 118. The second swing-out arm 120pivots at the second joint 24 (FIG. 1) by way of the rotatable cylinder162 on a first end of the second swing-out arm 120.

FIGS. 9 and 12 further shows the connection of the non-rotatablecylinder 164 of the second arm 120 to an arm-screen connector 126 tocreate the third joint 28 (FIG. 1). The arm-screen connector 126 iscomprised of an arm connector 166 and a swivel mount 168. In thisembodiment, the arm connector is a rotatable cylinder (also referred toas a rotatable arm end), 170 having a top end 172, a bottom end 174, anda screen connector hole 176 between the top and bottom ends 172, 174.The rotatable cylinder 170 connects to the non-rotatable (or fixed)cylinder 164 of the second swing-out arm 120. The rotatable cylinder 170pivots around the third joint 28 (FIG. 1).

FIGS. 9 and 12 further show the swivel mount 168 is comprised of acentral (screen) connector 178 having a rounded depression 180, acentral tilt hole 184 of a predetermined diameter to permit a maximumangle of tilt in any direction, and four flanges 186 with flange holes188 on the outside of the rounded depression 180. The depression can bea simple curved portion, a parabola, a hemisphere or portion thereof, adish shape or similar. The flanges 186 fit against the back of a flatvideo screen. The flange holes 186 of the flange correspond to one ormore holes on the back of a flat video screen (not shown), and connectto the back of the flat video screen (not shown) typically using screwsor bolts.

The swivel mount 168 further comprises two circular curved elements 190having a center hole 192; and two curved bearing members 194 having acenter hole 196. The circular curved elements 190 and the curved bearingmembers 194 are curved to fit against the complementary curvature of theinterior and exterior rounded depression 180 of the central screenconnector 178. It is desirable, but not essential to have both pairs ofcomplementary elements 190, 19 r. These curved elements 190,194preferably have similar curvatures so that they nest together withnearly complete contact on all points of the their surfaces. The innerelement 190 (adjacent bolt 198 in FIG. 12) is preferably a complementaryshape to its adjacent element 194 so that bolt 198 applies relativelyequal force to the entire curved surface of adjacent plates. Thisprovides a smoother glide between plates without slippage.

The diameter of the center holes of the circular curved elements and thecenter holes of the curved bearing members are about the same sizepermitting a bolt or screw to go though the holes, and the shape of theholes is substantially circular.

The center tilt hole of the central screen connector is typically largerthan the center holes of the circular curved elements and the centerholes of the curved bearing members. The diameter of the center tilthole 184 in the central screen connector 178 determines the maximumrange (or amount) of tilt in any direction. As the diameter of thecenter tilt hole increases, the amount of tilt increases for eachdirection. As shown in FIG. 10, angle a (alpha) corresponds to themaximum amount of tilt. A person of skill in the art can adjust thediameter of the center tilt hole 184 in the central screen connector 178to obtain a predetermined angle of tilt.

A predefined diameter of center tilt hole in the central screenconnector that corresponds to a maximum of about 15° tilt in anydirection is a preferred embodiment. This amount of tilt permits asecure connection with a range of tilt in each direction foradjustments.

The components of the swivel mount connect as follows: 1) a curvedbearing member 194 fits against the complementary interior surface ofthe rounded depression 180, and a circular curved element 190 fits ontop of the curved bearing member 194; and 2) a curved bearing member 194fits against the complementary exterior surface of the roundeddepression 180, and a circular curved element 190 fits on top of thecurved bearing member.

In other words, the rounded depression 180 of the central screenconnector 178 is sandwiched by a curved bearing member 194 against itsinterior and exterior surfaces, and a circular curved element 190 fitsoutside of each curved bearing member 194 to complete the sandwich. Asshown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the center holes of the central screenconnector 178, the circular curved element 190, and the curved bearingmembers 194 align to allow a fastener such a bolt 198 to fit through allof the center holes, and be connected by a nut 200. The fastener is tobe tightened sufficiently to insure that the device (screen) can bemoved by virtue of the friction reducing surfaces, but will remainstationary after movement because of friction and compressive forces onthe friction reducing material (which may be resilient).

The curved bearing members 190, 194, can be made of nylon or othersuitable material that acts as a bearing (or friction-reducing surface).The circular curved elements can be made of metal. In the preferredembodiment, metal elements are separated by fiction reducing materialsso as to allow bolt 198 to be tightened but still allow movement. It isadvantageous that the display or other device attached to mount betiltable and tunable and yet stay where it is positioned. By providingat least-one friction reduced surface between metal elements whichcovers virtually all of the potential contact surface between metalelements, the maximum position holding (staying) potential is achieved.In this case, the elements 192 and 196 are approximately equal in size,shape or surface area.

When connecting the arm-screen connector, the bolt 198 should betightened through the nut, and the connection should remain loose enoughto permit 360° rotation of flat video screen, and allow a predeterminedangle of tilt the flat video screen in each direction (this connectionis also referred to as “adjustably connecting” or “adjustableconnects”). FIG. 10 shows the swing-out arms in a fully extendedposition, and the screen connector tilted to a maximum angle α (alpha).The present invention permits rotation and tilting of the flat videoscreen, and couples these useful features with pliable plastic covers toroute and hold cables through the inside of the swing-out arm or arms.

FIGS. 2-3 show the mounting apparatus of the invention in a fullyextended position away from the wall. The swivel mount adjustablyconnects to the rotatable arm end through screen connector hole and thecenter tilt hole permitting about 360° rotation of the flat videoscreen, and the screen holes on the flanges align and connect throughthe attachment holes on the back of the flat video screen. A bolt orscrew are typically used to connect the screen holes on one or more ofthe flanges to the attachment holes on the back of the screen. Howeverany connector that secures and allows these adjustment can be used inplace of the bolt or screw. It is preferable to connect the flanges withtwo or more screws, bolts, or other suitable connectors.

The swivel mount in this manner pivotally connects to the flat videoscreen (not shown). The swivel mount permits rotation of the flatdisplay screen to about 360°. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-2, and9-1 1are a mounting apparatus of the invention having two swing-outarms. This is a preferred embodiment. FIG. 9 also shows pliable covers136 that fit in cover holes of the arms, and conceal cables, cords, orwires snaked through the interior of the swing-out arms (not shown).

Another preferred embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, is aswing-out apparatus for mounting a flat video screen to a wall that usesa single swing-out arm. A single swing out arm embodiment functionssimilarly to the two-armed embodiment. The single swing-out armapparatus for mounting a flat video screen connects to the rotatableconnector of the arm-screen connector, instead of the second swing-outarm as in the two swing-out arm apparatus.

Having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerousmodifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing fromthe scope and fair meaning of the instant invention as set forth hereinabove and as described herein below by the claims.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the preferred versions describedherein.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims,abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or processdisclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations whereat least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Eachfeature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract,and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same,equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus,unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one exampleonly of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” forperforming a specified function or “step” for performing a specifiedfunction, should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause asspecified in 35 U.S.C. section 112.

1. A swing-out apparatus for mounting a device to a wall surfacecomprising: a wall bracket having an interior surface facing toward thewall for connection to the wall, an external surface, a mount connectorattachable said device; first and second swing-out arms having a firstand second end, a body between the first and second ends, an apertureproximate each end, said body having a passageway at least partwaytherethrough connecting said apertures; the first end of the first swingout arm connecting pivotally to the wall bracket; the second end of saidfirst swing out arm pivotally connected to said second arm; the secondend of said second swing out arm connected to said mount connector;whereby cables extending from the wall to the device may be at leastpartially hidden within said arms by passing into and out of saidapertures.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including removablecovers sized to be received within said apertures after the cables havebeen inserted through at least one arm.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2wherein said removable covers include slit for passage of cablestherethrough.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said removeable coversare sized to be larger than the aperture and upon insertion therein aremaintained therein by compressive force of the resilient materialagainst the apertures.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein saidremoveable covers have top and bottom surfaces, front and back ends, andside portions, the top surface having a slit , a ridge extending aroundthe periphery of the top surface, the ridge extending outward and over adownwardly extending side wall with at least one engagement protrudinghooks, the at least one protruding hooks flex to fit snuggly within theaperture of each end of the first swing-out arm.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein the slit includes an enlarged portion at its back endfor receiving, at least in part, the cable.
 7. A swivel mount having abracket, for use in attaching a device to a wall surface comprising: a.a first central connector plate having a rounded depression portion, andplurality of mounting points extending from the rounded depressionportion; b. a second central connector plate configured to be inabutment with said first plate, and having a rounded depression portionshaped to mate with said rounded depression portion of said first plate,so that said first and second plates are in substantially completecontact with respect to abutting surfaces, c. a third central connectorplate having a rounded depression portion similar to that of said secondplate and configured to be in abutment with said first plate on a sideopposite said second plate, so that said first plate may be sandwichedbetween said second and third plates d. at said second and third platesbeing of a friction reducing material capable of sliding with respectsaid first plate; e. a central fastener passing through said plates forcreating frictional engagement therebetween, so that when said firstplate is moved relative to the bracket, it will tend to remainstationary after movement.
 8. The device of claim 7 further including afourth plate having a like depression, in abutment with said third plateand wherein a plate of friction reducing material is in abutment with aplate of other material.
 9. The device of claim 7 wherein each of saidplates includes a hole for receiving said fastener.
 10. A swing-outapparatus having a bracket, for mounting a device to a wall comprising:a wall connector having an interior surface facing toward the wall forconnection to an external surface, a mount connector to be attached tosaid device; first and second swing-out arms having a first and secondend, a body between the first and second ends, an aperture proximateeach end, said body having a passageway at least partway therethroughconnecting said apertures the first end of the first swing out armconnecting pivotally to the wall connector; the second end of said firstswing out arm pivotally connected to said second arm; the second end ofsaid second swing out arm connected to said mount connector; said mountconnector configured to be tiltable and rotatable respect to themounting wall.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said mountconnection includes: a. a first central connector plate having a roundeddepression portion, a central tilt hole of a predetermined diametertherein and plurality of mounting points extending from the roundeddepression portion; b. a second central connector plate configured to bein abutment with said first plate, and having a rounded depressionportion shaped to mate with said rounded depression portion of saidfirst plate, so that said first and second plates are in substantiallycomplete contact with respect to abutting surfaces, c. a third centralconnector plate having a rounded depression portion similar to that ofsaid second plate and configured to be in abutment with said first plateon a side opposite said second plate, so that said first plate may besandwiched between said second and third plates d. at said second andthird plates being of a friction reducing material capable of slidingwith respect said first plate; e. a central fastener passing throughsaid plates for creating frictional engagement therebetween, so thatwhen said first plate is moved relative to the bracket, it will tend toremain stationary after movement.
 12. A swing-out apparatus for mountinga flat video screen having a back with attachment holes to a wallcomprising: a wall connector having an interior surface facing towardthe wall for connection to the wall, an external surface, and a cableorifice; a first swing-out arm having a first and second end, a bodybetween the first and second ends, the body having a cover hole neareach end, the first end of the first swing out arm connecting pivotallyto the external surface of the wall connector; a plurality of pliablecovers, each pliable cover having top and bottom surfaces, front andback ends, and side portions, the top surface having a slit with anenlarged opening at the back end, the enlarged opening sized for a cableto fit under the enlarged opening, a ridge extending around theperiphery of the top surface, the ridge extending outward and over adownwardly extending side wall with a plurality of protruding hooks, thedownwardly extending wall is located on the bottom surface, thedownwardly extending side wall runs under the front end and both sidesof the pliable cover, the protruding hooks flex to fit snuggly withinthe cover hole of each end of the first swing-out arm, and an interiorpair of substantially parallel side walls between the downwardlyextending side walls forming a channel surrounding a cable placed intothe cover holes of the first swing-out arm; an arm-screen connectorcomprising a rotatable arm end with a screen connector hole, therotatable arm end connecting pivotally to the second end of the secondswing out arm, and a swivel mount having a central screen connector witha center tilt hole of predetermined diameter to permit a maximum angleof tilt in any direction, and flanges with screen holes; and the swivelmount adjustably connecting to the rotatable arm end through the screenconnector hole and the center tilt hole permitting about 360° rotationof the flat video screen, one or more screen holes on the flangesaligning to the attachment holes on the back of the flat video screenpermitting connection of the flat screen to the swivel mount.